I'm considering joining a gym, and when I use the cardio machines I like to watch movies. The last time I joined, I watched movies on my palm T/X, but it is long gone. At home, I have the tv and a dvd player, but I'd like a portable option.

My requirements:

Cheap
Play AVI or MP4 video files
Cheap
7"
Cheap
Bluetooth would be a bonus, but not necessary

After this review was released, Kobo decided to double the storage on the base model and offer 16GB for $199, 32GB for $249 and 64 gb for $299. Runs on ICS and Kobo has confirmed it will be updated to Jelly Bean in a few months.

Last edited by Cdesja5; 10-09-2012 at 08:56 AM.
Reason: Wrong link! Corrected to right one...

I think Samsung Galaxy tabs are cheaper and provides much more features in much less prices.

Nah. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7 inch) is $250 (MSRP) for a 1GHz dual-core CPU, 1 GB RAM, 8GB storage (though with a microSD slot), and a 1024x600 screen. In terms of features and specifications, it is outclassed by the similarly-priced Google Nexus 7 (16 gig storage at that price, but no microSD slot, and a quad-core CPU) and the upcoming, and far cheaper, Kobo Arc ($200 for a 1.5GHz dual-core, 1 GB RAM, 16GB storage, and 1280x800 screen - at $250, you'll get 32GB storage, making it a far better deal, despite the lack of microSD slot, than the Tab at either price point)

Drop by your local BigLots and pick up a Polaroid PMID701i for $80. 7" ICS tablet... has a microSD slot, video out, and can play Netflix and with MX Player virtually all video formats. I have one (just to tinker around with) and it makes a nice simply player.

Drop by your local BigLots and pick up a Polaroid PMID701i for $80. 7" ICS tablet... has a microSD slot, video out, and can play Netflix and with MX Player virtually all video formats. I have one (just to tinker around with) and it makes a nice simply player.

Indeed. One of the cheap off-brand tablets. Biglots often has them for even cheaper than that.

That's definitely the route for someone who put 'cheap' on their list three times and 'good' not once.

$199 Nexus? $250 Galaxy?...please. Might as well suggest an iPad.

Beware of battery life. These cheap no-name Chinese Android tablets often have extremely poor battery life. Better battery life and better screen is what you're paying for with the Nexus, Galaxy Tab, etc.

Depends what you need, of course. If a 1h video playing life is adequate for your needs, that's great.

If I go this route, the tablet will be tossed in a gym bag and handled roughly. I just need it for 30-60 minutes of distraction a couple times a week. Like I stated in my first post, I don't need anything else but video. $60-$80 is perfect.